Veterans Tribute

July 06, 2018

Veterans Tribute

Service Details

On the battlefield or back home, no soldiers are left behind. Through the help of so many we are able to honor John Fernandez, Raymond Hines, and James Watson and give them the proper military funeral they are entitled to.

John Joseph Fernandez, 64, passed away on April 11, 2006, in Iowa City. He was born on May 18, 1941, to John and Lillian (Dugaf) Fernandez in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a cab driver in the Des Moines area. He was a Private in the Unites States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam, where he was a Rifleman. John received the Good Conduct Medal for his service.

Raymond Hines, 81, passed away on March 17, 2003, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on September 27, 1921, in Newton, Texas to Lawson and Elena (Morris) Hines. Raymond was a shoe shiner at the Des Moines Airport. He proudly served his country during World War II, going overseas to Europe and the Philippines. He received the Victory Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four bronze battle stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon. The highest rank he held was Tec 5 in the United States Army.

James W. Watson, 72, passed away on April 20, 2003, in Des Moines, Iowa. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he served overseas. He held the rank of CPL (T), and was awarded the Korean Defense Medal with three service stars.

We strive to provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these heroes. Hamilton’s Funeral Home along with the Missing in America Project will host a memorial service for these three service members on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.

A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at 12:30 p.m., Friday, July 6, 2018 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. We invite you to join us for light refreshments at American Legion Post 403 Veterans Reception Center in Van Meter following the interment.

Print